How To Use A Pregnancy Pillow
Getting comfortable when you’re pregnant can be difficult. During pregnancy, your body and the little one inside grow rapidly; sometimes, it can feel like your body belongs to someone else! Achieving a good night’s sleep is all about learning to listen to your body and doing what feels right. Using a pregnancy pillow can help with this, as they are designed to support your body as it changes shape.
Whether you’re newly pregnant or a seasoned mum, your body will change in all sorts of ways during and after pregnancy. The balance of weight is shifted, and different parts of your body may suffer as your growing bump expands.
What Is A Pregnancy Pillow?
A pregnancy pillow, or maternity pillow, is a sleep and rest aid specifically designed to support pregnant women. Throughout pregnancy, the body changes and certain areas experience stress and discomfort. This can make it difficult to get comfortable and fall asleep, and it can cause broken sleep as aches and pains cause disturbances during the night.
Pregnancy pillows are designed to help reduce the pain associated with side sleeping. Typically, a pregnancy pillow is a long, curved cushion. There are many different styles and depending on its design, the pillow can support the belly, back, hips, legs, neck and head.
Types of Pregnancy Pillow
Pregnancy pillows are available in several shapes and sizes. Usually, the pillow will fall into one of three categories:
U-Shaped Pillow: A U-shaped pillow provides support from both sides and is a good option for women who are used to sleeping on their backs. This type of pillow allows the back, belly, head, neck and knees to feel gently supported.
C-Shaped Pillow: A C-shaped pillow can be placed with the curve behind to support the back, head and neck or in front to support the belly, knees and head.
Wedge Pillow: This type of pregnancy pillow provides more topical support and can be easily moved to provide support in specific areas as needed. Wedge pillows are smaller and particularly good for travelling.
Top Tip: Experts suggest sleeping on your left side during pregnancy improves circulation to your baby and the placenta. It also helps reduce swelling.
How Do You Sleep with a Pregnancy Pillow?
Sleeping with a bump is tricky at times and it can take time to find a comfortable position. Sleeping on your back isn’t recommended during pregnancy as experts think that the weight of your belly can put pressure on important veins and arteries and sleeping on your side can cause pain in the hips, back and upper body. Pregnancy support pillows can help as they support areas of your body under stress from your changing body shape. Here are some pointers for finding a relaxing position with your maternity pillow:
If using a U-shaped pillow, make an upside-down U and lie in the middle with your head and neck supported by the curve at the top. Then, support your back with one side of the U and your belly with the other side. Pop the front end between your knees to provide comfort and support for your hips.
A C-shaped pillow can be curved around the front of your body to support your belly, head, neck, and hips, or it can be curved around your back to rest against.
If you prefer topical support for different areas at different times and places, try a wedge pillow. This pillow can be moved around as needed. Simply wedge it into place, for example, against your back and experience the comfort.
Expert’s Tip: If you’re used to sleeping on your back, place a pregnancy wedge pillow under one hip. This is enough to remove the risks associated with back sleeping during pregnancy.
When To Start Using A Pregnancy Pillow
Making the decision to invest in a pregnancy support pillow can mean the difference between feeling fresh after a good night’s sleep and feeling downright lousy. So, while pregnancy pillows are usually most beneficial during the second and third trimesters when aches and pains tend to be more common if you’re struggling before this – go for it! There is no harm in using a pregnancy pillow from day one. In fact, many people who aren’t pregnant feel the benefits of using a pregnancy pillow!
If you start using a pregnancy pillow during the first trimester, this is probably a result of pre-existing sleep problems. If you have back problems, acid reflux or other troubles, a pregnancy pillow can help hugely at this stage.
The second trimester is when your body shape really starts to change. You will no longer be able to sleep on your stomach and back sleeping may be difficult too. You’ll be feeling the effects of your changing body and this is the time most women start using pregnancy pillows. If you were a back sleeper previously, a pregnancy pillow can really help break the habit and provide comfort.
By the third trimester, your bump will probably be having quite an impact on life in general. At this time, pain and discomfort will usually be at their worst and the extra support offered by a pregnancy pillow can be invaluable. You’ll probably be very attached to your soft, comfortable pregnancy pillow by now and the good news is, you can keep using it for as long as you want!
Caring For Your Pregnancy Pillow
Pregnancy support pillows can be cleaned in the same way you wash other pillows. Make sure your pregnancy pillow has a removable cover and ideally, a removable pillow protector and wash it as required. If the inner cushion is dirty, try surface washing it with warm, soapy water. Some maternity pillows are machine washable but always check the manufacturer’s instructions first.
Remember, stay comfortable and get a good night's sleep – from everyone at Sky Rockets!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sleep on my right side while pregnant?
Health professionals advise sleeping on the left if possible. Sleeping on the right has been linked to a higher risk of stillbirth, reduced foetal growth, low birth weight and pre-eclampsia.
What’s the difference between a nursing pillow and a pregnancy pillow?
A nursing pillow is designed to fit around the mother’s waist so that the baby can rest on it while feeding. A pregnancy pillow is much bigger and supports the mother’s body while pregnant.
Why does it help to put a pillow between your knees while pregnant?
It helps with spinal alignment, reduces pressure on the hips and eases lower back pain.
Can I use a pregnancy pillow as a feeding pillow?
Usually, pregnancy pillows are unsuitable as nursing pillows because they are too big and have the wrong shape. Some brands offer a 2-in-1 design, like Dream Genii. These are suitable for feeding as well.